In this online course, Get started with online learning, you will find out what online learning is and what it can offer you. You’ll discover the skills required for online study and evaluate your own study skillset. You’ll also examine how students form online communities and how they benefit from flexible study arrangements while still being supported by dedicated tutors.

Studying online takes advantage of technology to simulate or improve upon traditional methods of teaching. This course draws on the expertise of The Open University to introduce you to some of these teaching methods, including looking at two periods of European history, teaching chemistry through the online OpenScience Laboratory and using free apps to practise writing Chinese characters.

Studying at a campus university isn’t for everyone. If you have caring responsibilities, want to re-skill to change careers or develop professionally, or simply wish to earn while you learn, then online study may be for you.

By enrolling on this course you can track your progress and gain a Statement of Participation for completing the whole course.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the key aspects of online study
• Recognise the main differences between online study and study at a campus-based university
• Assess how studying online can match personal interests and preferences, and help to develop skills.